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Guardiola Praises Galaxy; Remains Humble For Next Season
Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola, despite having won nearly every major trophy in his first year in charge, is remaining humble. Following a win over the LA Galaxy in pre-season, he went out of his way to praise his opponents.
Aug 2, 2009 3:53:39 AM
PASADENA, Calif.--After watching his team sparkle its way to a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy, Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola praised his opponents in the pre-season friendly.
Despite making wholesale changes at halftime, the Catalan giants recovered from a David Beckham free kick late in the first half, which had tied the game at 1-1, to nab the victory. Youngster Jeffren Suarez did the damage thanks to a delightful leading ball from Sergio Busquets.
“This was a great test for us and I also had a great impression of the opponent,” Guardiola announced in the post-game press conference. “I think Galaxy is the right way on the pitch. They have strong players physically, so for us it was difficult to make good one against one. The feet of Beckham always impress and [Landon] Donovan is so so fast. He created problems in the second half.”
The former Barca midfielder went on to mention that Donovan could “definitely, absolutely” play in Europe.
Having spent two pre-seasons in the United States, the coach commented on the progress he has seen in Major League Soccer.
“We're very happy to be in the United States for the second year; we're able to prepare very well here,” he said. “I am glad to see that soccer in the States is getting better and I hope it keeps going like this. I do think the league has a good level. Players play compact, they are strong, and I think they're developing a very good league.”
Turning to his own team, Guardiola stressed the correct attitude heading into the new season. Having won every major trophy on offer – the Spanish La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League – the second year coach maintained that humility is the key to continued success.
“The challenge is to keep going at the same level as last season,” he said. “We must not forget what was the reason that made such a fantastic season last season. The most important thing is to be humble and try to recover the best things of last season.”
What lies ahead for the team that has won it all? Guardiola kept focused on the very near future.
“A good dinner, a good lunch, a good breakfast. Then to relax and travel to Seattle.”
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage
Despite making wholesale changes at halftime, the Catalan giants recovered from a David Beckham free kick late in the first half, which had tied the game at 1-1, to nab the victory. Youngster Jeffren Suarez did the damage thanks to a delightful leading ball from Sergio Busquets.
“This was a great test for us and I also had a great impression of the opponent,” Guardiola announced in the post-game press conference. “I think Galaxy is the right way on the pitch. They have strong players physically, so for us it was difficult to make good one against one. The feet of Beckham always impress and [Landon] Donovan is so so fast. He created problems in the second half.”
The former Barca midfielder went on to mention that Donovan could “definitely, absolutely” play in Europe.
Having spent two pre-seasons in the United States, the coach commented on the progress he has seen in Major League Soccer.
“We're very happy to be in the United States for the second year; we're able to prepare very well here,” he said. “I am glad to see that soccer in the States is getting better and I hope it keeps going like this. I do think the league has a good level. Players play compact, they are strong, and I think they're developing a very good league.”
Turning to his own team, Guardiola stressed the correct attitude heading into the new season. Having won every major trophy on offer – the Spanish La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League – the second year coach maintained that humility is the key to continued success.
“The challenge is to keep going at the same level as last season,” he said. “We must not forget what was the reason that made such a fantastic season last season. The most important thing is to be humble and try to recover the best things of last season.”
What lies ahead for the team that has won it all? Guardiola kept focused on the very near future.
“A good dinner, a good lunch, a good breakfast. Then to relax and travel to Seattle.”
Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
For more on Spain click ahead to Goal.com's Spain homepage
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